LOS ANGELES: Secret Sushi at Nozawa Bar

Beverly Hills welcomed Master Chef Kazunori Nozawa‘s latest sugarFISH location last week, the sixth in this growing chain of sushi restaurants. Is it delicious? Absolutely. But go to the back left and you’ll find a secret, reservation-only spot that’s even better, the tiny Nozawa Bar. Make a reservation and you’ll be treated to an intimate, world-class omakase experience, prepared by Master Chef Osamu Fujita, a long-time colleague and friend of the esteemed Chef Nozawa. Nozawa was dubbed the “Sushi Nazi” during his reign at the now defunct Sushi Nozawa, and although sugarFISH may be a bit more relaxed, this hidden gem is not for picky eaters: everyone is served the same thing at the same time, the menu varies each day according to what’s freshest, and they will not accomodate vegetarians or those with allergies to seaweed, shellfish, rice, vinegar, or gluten. The reservation policy is also pretty unforgiving (don’t even try to just walk in): you must reserve online, and if you cancel with less than 72 hours notice, expect your credit card to be charged $100 a person. If you’re a no-show, you will be charged for the entire cost of the meal, $130 a person at lunch and $150 at dinner. There are only two lunch seatings and two dinner seatings. If you’re late to a course, you simply miss out. But if you’ve managed to secure a table at Nozawa Bar, it’s highly unlikely you’ll bail. —Ashley Churchill